🌴 Around the Island | September 17, 2026

👋 Hello from Leah & Jillian

This week was a busy one full of lots of emotions. We're all still recovering from the loss of our sweet Star last week, and it's been strange in the house without her. Very quiet. This will take some getting used to.

But life doesn't stop for things like this - you have to keep moving. And speaking of moving... my client is moving this week, into her new home! I am so happy for her. It was a longer road than we anticipated, and we hit a few twists along the way. But we persisted, and she was able to close on her very first home. Congratulations to her - a brand new homeowner!! ☺️ 🏡

With all the emotions running high lately, I needed a night out with one of my besties. This time we hit up The Sandbar in Anna Maria for a cocktail before a sunset beach walk (the pic at the very top), and we finished with dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant. 

The great thing about Anna Maria Island (well... ONE of the many great things) is the walkability. We walked everywhere we went, which I really enjoy! I've been working on getting 10,000 steps a day, and the island makes that easy peasy. And fun! ☺️

Jillian opted for a more exciting night out. 😂 Bruno Mars was in town this past weekend, and she and Joe went to see him in Tampa. They said it was a really good concert! I have no doubt. I'm a bit jealous that I didn't get tickets myself and go with them, but I'll live vicariously through them this time. 🎤🎶

🎉 What's Happening Around Town?

🧘🏼‍♀️ Thrive Beach Yoga - 8:30am Saturdays Year-Round

📍 100 Pine Ave, near The Sandbar

This looks fun! I used to do beach yoga waaaaaaayyyyyy back in the day. Jillian was about 2 years old, and I would bring her with me and set her up on a towel with some sand toys. She would quietly play and occasionally join in during downward dog or child's pose. It was really relaxing to hear the sounds of the surf while stretching and meditating. I might check this out! 

🍀 Halfway to St. Patrick's Day

📍 Freckled Fin in Holmes Beach on AMI

My brother's birthday is St. Patrick's Day, so this caught my eye. He's not old enough to fully celebrate yet, but Joe and I might check this out! Lots of live music all day. Looks fun! 🎶

🏡 This Week's Market Minute

🤔 What Is a Buyer's Agent?

A buyer's agent represents the buyer during a real estate transaction. Our job isn't just to open doors and write offers.

We help buyers find properties, understand the market, negotiate terms, navigate inspections and appraisals, and get all the way to closing. Like I just did this week with my first-time home buyer! 🙌🏻

Basically, we're there to help you make sense of the process, and hopefully keep you from having to Google every strange real estate term you encounter along the way.

If you're thinking about house shopping, reply to this email and let us know! We'd be happy to get you started on finding your next perfect home! 😊

🌴 Florida landscaping is a little different.

Plants that thrive in other parts of the country can struggle here because of our heat, humidity, sandy soil, and intense sun. When choosing plants, it's usually smarter to start with what naturally thrives here rather than trying to convince something else to survive.

Native and Florida-friendly plants can also mean less watering, less maintenance, and fewer headaches down the road. And if you're planting near the coast, be sure to consider salt tolerance, too - our salty air and occasional storm surge can be tough on plants that aren't built for it.

👋 Until Next Thursday...

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this week! We hope you get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and discover something new around town. As always, if you see us out and about, come say hi - we’d love to chat!